Pre-Race- "Shut Up and Let Me Go" by The Ting Ting's
I really wanted to go to the rest room at least twice before the race started but ran out of time. At least I thought I did and when I saw that the race had started I went over to line up in my corral. This plays a huge part in my race so that is why I am mentioning it. :>) I saw AZStateRick and his wife and so we started the race together. I didn't cross the start line until about 20 minutes after the gun went off.

*These are actually the songs I was listening to at some point during each mile!

Mile 1-"Sabotage" by The Beastie Boys-10:05
Lungs good, legs good. Let's do this thing. We cruised along the entire first mile only stopping at the water station.

Mile 2-"Lose Yourself" by Eminem-11:19
When I saw that first mile blip off I knew I was in trouble. All of the voices of my coaches were loud and clear in my head. My heart really wanted to stay with Rick and try to run this thing with him but my head prevailed and I waved him on at the start of mile 2. On my own I settled down and started the familiar run/walk. I was doing my thing though and felt great.

Mile 3 and 4- "Just Dance" by Lady GaGa-11:14, 11:05
Felt really good during these early miles. I knew I was pacing a little faster then I wanted to but tried to stay in my range.

Mile 5 - "What I've Done" by Linkin Park-11:23
Somewhere in here I had to go the restroom. So I started a conversation in my head about if I really had to go or not. Did I want to spare the five minutes of waiting in the port-a-potty lines or just suffer a bit. I made a deal with myself that I would keep moving forward until I saw a port-a-potty with no line. Then I would spare the time to go. In the mean time I eyed each and every bush and building for a good spot to pull over.

Mile 6 and 7- "Hips Don't Lie" by Shakira-11:40, 11:47
Hips don't like and really neither does the bladder. Ok, nearly half way and yet I am still being incredibly stubborn and won't stop. Why won't I just give up the few minutes? Do I have the few minutes? Oy. Seriously. Oy. I am slowing up because I have to use the restroom. This is ridiculous.

Mile 8- "Sabotage" by The Beastie Boys (yes, again)-11:39
You would not believe this but the 2:22 pace group popped up from behind me! WHAT? I seriously was in shock. Was I pacing in front of them or were they behind schedule? It didn't matter because I would stay with them and wrap this baby up. Or not. I coulnd't hang with them. Ok guys see you later.

Mile 9-"So What" by Pink-11:37
So what if I can't keep up with them I am still on track. I picked this mile up a bit and was having that mid race euphoria that I love so much.

Mile 10- "Bleed it Out" by Linkin Park-12:29
By now everything is hurting and my right calf feels sort of like a guitar string being plucked and threatening to tighten up for the rest of the race. I realize I have fallen behind in my drinking because I just can't hold any more liquid. :>O

Mile 11-"Sexy Back" by Justin Timberlack-12:08
Where is she? Where is the girl with the fire from the beginning of the race? Bring her back!! Bring her back. I am yelling in my head to suck it up, get it done. So close. So close to goal and I know the minutes will be ticking off so fast in these last miles. No room for 12 minute miles.

Mile 12-"Viva la Vida" by Cold Play -12:09
I am still yelling in my head but at the same time working sooooo hard. I want it so bad but can't seem to dig it out. Will I sabotage my own race by giving up too early? And if I had stopped to use the restroom would I be able to run better now?

Mile 13- "Super Girl" by Saving Jane-11:30
I see it. I feel it. I know that even if I don't make my 2:30 that I will be close. I will be happy with my time no matter what it says because I have done what I can. I have really and truly given this race my all.

Mile .1-"Thanks for the Memories" by Fall Out Boy-9:38
Ahhh....2:32:20. I was happy. Very happy.


Afterward-"Anthem" by Superchick
Each race brings new experiences, new rewards and new lessons. I think you know what my main lesson from this race was.... ;>) I picked a goal that I thought was reasonable and yet something I would have to work hard to reach and I came so close. I would set the same goal again and work equally as hard to reach it.

"All for One" High School Musical Cast....heh!
I won't "race" PF Chang's again. It was hard being out there on my own while knowing that I had groups of friends out running the same race. I will definitely keep PF Chang's on the calendar but after this it's just going to be something I do for fun with friends. There are plenty of races out there that I can race for time improvement but PF Chang's with all of it's crowds and bands will be a spot to celebrate friends and fitness from here on out. So who is coming next year? :>)